Haltdalen Shooting Range

In early 2024, Steer executed a mission-critical project for the Norwegian Armed Forces: the complete rehabilitation of the Haltdalen military training ground in central Norway. The area had been inaccessible for years due to overgrowth and the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) — making it unsafe for any training activity.

Following Steer’s intervention, the site was finally made operational, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to begin live-fire training exercises as part of Norway’s allied support initiative.

A Gjermundshaug CAT excavator with a Steer system working in a snowy forested area with mountains in the background.

Restoring a Dormant Firing Range

The Haltdalen skytefelt had not been in use for years, overrun by thick vegetation and inaccessible terrain. Compounding the problem was the risk of UXO, which ruled out all manual work. The task required UXO-safe, remote-controlled excavation using highly specialized equipment.

Steer was tasked with full military training ground clearance, ensuring the site met safety, accessibility, and operational standards required for live training.

Remote-Controlled Excavator with Integrated Makin GNSS Machine Control

To clear the site safely, Steer deployed a CAT 325 tracked excavator outfitted with a tiltrotator and forestry tools such as a mulching head and tree shear — ideal for cutting dense brush and small trees.

The Caterpillar excavator was remotely operated over 5G and Wi-Fi, maintaining a 500-meter safety perimeter to protect operators from potential explosive threats.

In a major technological advancement, Steer integrated the Makin GNSS machine control system into the remote-control solution. This allowed operators to:

Follow georeferenced terrain models from a safe distance

Use 3D machine guidance to execute precise clearing and grading

Automate boom and bucket movement to match the terrain plan

This seamless combination of remote excavator control and Makin’s GNSS-based 3D machine control enabled millimeter-accurate land clearing in a hazardous environment, maximizing both safety and operational efficiency.

A Gjermundshaug CAT 325 excavator parked beside a Steer container unit in a winter environment, ready for operation.

Overcoming Harsh Arctic Conditions

The project was completed under demanding winter conditions:

Over 1 meter of snow

Sub-zero temperatures

Steep, uneven terrain with limited access

Despite this, Steer successfully:

Cleared large sections of overgrown vegetation

Reopened key access routes for military use

Prepared terrain for blasting operations to follow

Rapid Mobilization for a High-Priority Mission

This was a hasteoppdrag — a rapid-response assignment with just days from notification to deployment. Steer’s ability to quickly mobilize remote-controlled machinery, GNSS systems, and experienced personnel demonstrates its capability as a specialized defense contractor for high-risk operations.

Enabling Allied Training in Norway

With the Haltdalen training ground now cleared and operational, Ukrainian troops can train safely in Norway using live munitions. Steer’s work directly supports Norway’s role in allied military training and humanitarian support during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.